Alternative Concepts

To choose our final design, we went through a list of alternative concepts. We began by making evaluation criteria and then assigned weights for each criteria. We then produced three different models and assigned values to each of their evaluation criteria. Through a well organized chart we were able to see a clear winner out of all the designs.

Evaluation Criteria:

  1. Durability - We have to make sure the bubbles won't burst when they are picked up or when they are being held and also need to be able to be transported if we want to actually distribute them.

  2. Easy to transport - need to make sure we can transport the water bubbles without them bursting. From survey, people said they should be distributed at races and since there are many races around marin and the city, we would need to be able to drive a car with them in it and not have them pop.

  3. Easy to manufacture - need to be easy enough to manufacture that we can actually produce the product and have it turn out as we want them too. We also have strict deadlines which adds to the need for them to be easy to manufacture

  4. Good flavor - no one will want to drink our water bubbles if they taste bad, so therefore we need to make sure they have a good flavor. If people think they taste bad, they will not want to drink them even if they are good for the environment.

  5. Packaging - The packaging needs to be appealing to the eye as to attract people. However it also needs to be compostable, as we are focusing on environmental engineering as well as the durability it provides for the water bubbles.


Weight Values for Criteria:

  1. Durability - weighted the most bc of its importance to make sure the water bubble stays intact until it's ready to be drinked

  2. Easy to transport - weighted the lowest bc it is important however the durability is the most important factor to its transportation

  3. Easy to manufacture - due to time restraints it must be somewhat easy enough to produce however the durability and appeal of the water bubble is more important than this factor

  4. Good flavor - weighted the second highest bc it must taste good in order for people to be willing to drink them. If they have a bad flavor people will not be willing to drink them or pay for them

  5. Packaging - the packaging is an important factor because it must attract the eye of consumers and urge them to try/buy our product. If the packaging is unappealing, consumers will not want to buy the product. It also must fit our goal of being environmentally friendly.


Decision Process:

Concept 1:

  • added thick shell gives it a strong durability

  • Durable shell makes it easier to transport and not break

  • Will be harder to produce this thick shell & will take time to figure out how to do this

  • The added mio flavoring will give it a yummy flavor & there will be lots of variety

  • The packaging is decomposable so very good for environment but isn't eye catching or protective of the bubble

Concept 2:

  • The shell is thinner but by mixing different amounts of sodium alginate and calcium chloride, the shell will be firmer/more dense & the padded packaging will make it less likely to pop

  • The padded packaging will make it easy to transport because it will make the bubble less likely to pop while it's being moved

  • The bubble will be easier to manufacture because we just have to figure out the right ratio of ingredients to form the shell and don't have to worry about making it thicker

  • Propel has a variety of flavors with added electrolytes, and since it is a water it may be easier to manufacture the bubbles

  • The packaging would be padded and make the bubble more durable as well as eye appealing, downside = may not be compostable

Concept 3:

  • The water bubbles would be in a tub filled with water, each individually wrapped, allowing the bubbles to move around the tub and not burst

  • With the bubbles in the water, they will be able to move around a little and be less likely to pop

  • It will be easy to manufacture the bubble because we will produce them the way we have already been making them

  • The propel in the bubbles would give it a good flavor and added electrolytes

  • The packaging would make the bubbles very durable during transportation, it is decomposable, the bin would be recyclable, only downside = people may not like grabbing the bubbles with a ladle out of a bucket


Best Concept:

Concept 3 was clear winner


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